Following the exciting announcement that the Dusi Canoe Marathon will be broadcast on television in 2026, the Kindo Covers Ozzie Gladwin gets the new season underway on Sunday.

The race that forms part of the John Oliver Series, will take place on its traditional route starting on Albert Falls Dam and then down the Umgeni River to the finish at Sunnyside Farm.

Despite not taking place on the Dusi Canoe Marathon route, the Ozzie Gladwin is the first seeding race of the new Dusi season so it will attract some of the top Dusi contenders for 2026 as they get their season underway.

There will be a strong contingent of local paddlers taking part and 2025 Dusi runner-up Sbonelo Khwela has confirmed that he will be there. With the 2026 Dusi being a K2 race it’s always exciting to see which combinations take part as they prepare for February’s Dusi.

It’s always an interesting race in the context of the Dusi and we can expect to see those Dusi combinations racing for the first time. There are some seeding points on offer too which adds incentive for the Dusi podium hopefuls.

With a flat-water start and a portage before hitting the rapids of the Upper Umgeni, the Ozzie Gladwin provides a good all-round hit-out for paddlers looking to find their Dusi legs early in the season.

“It’s always exciting preparing and putting on the first race of the season,” Chairman of the Dusi organising Committee Doug Gow said. “There are always smiling faces and excited paddlers, and we hope that the enthusiasm can continue through to the 75th Dusi in February.

“Next year’s Dusi is going to be a huge milestone race, and we are encouraging people to take part in what’s going to be a memorable edition of the race.”

The race will get underway at 08:00 and entries are open on the CSA paddler portal.